SANTA ANA PUEBLO— A man was arrested for trafficking 30 grams of crack cocaine as well as attempts to escape police at the Santa Ana Star Casino Hotel.
Zackary Holder, 31, of Albuquerque, was arrested for trafficking, attempt to escape a police officer, escape or attempt to escape penitentiary, battery and resisting arrest at the hotel.
A casino security guard alleged that they found a wallet with cocaine concealed in a dollar bill in it on the casino floor. A driver’s license in the wallet belonged to Holder, according to a criminal complaint
When Holder was found, police asked if he lost his wallet and he said he did. He was escorted to the security office. During a pat down, officers allegedly felt a bulge in Holder’s pocket, and when asked about it, Holder became combative, the complaint reads. He allegedly fought with officers and kicked the supervising officer, escaping briefly. During the struggle, a digital scale with white residue fell to the floor, it states.
A bag found during the search of Holder contained 30 grams of cocaine, according to the complaint.
Holder allegedly escaped again while handcuffed but was re-arrested near the Discount Tire on U.S. 550.
In New Mexico, the amount of cocaine that constitutes the trafficking charge is about 500 grams. However, the amount crack cocaine requires is significantly less at 28 grams.
Holder could face 9-18 years or more in prison if he is convicted.
